When Far Hills Country Day School student Cayden Walton opened his acceptance package to Blair Academy and saw that he had been awarded the Blair Academy Far Hills Endowed Scholarship Prize, he felt elated. “I’m so grateful to have received this scholarship from my top choice for secondary school,” Cayden said. From the first time he toured Blair, he felt the hilltop campus was where he belonged. “I felt a sense of inclusion and belonging, a personal and welcoming connection, a sense of genuine care for your well-being, and strong relationships among the teacher and student community.” He was happy to announce that he’d be moving to Blairstown this fall. 

While Cayden is the first student to be awarded this scholarship, Blair Academy and Far Hills Country Day School have long held a close relationship. Blair is the top boarding school destination for graduates from the private primary school, and in 2019, one Blair/Far Hills family pledged $250,000 to create the scholarship and strengthen that partnership further.  To fully fund the award, Blair will need to grow that amount to $500,000. 

Blair awards the Endowed Scholarship Prize to the best all-around student in eighth grade who is representative of the ideals of Far Hills and Blair. Dean of Admission Teddy Wenner ’96 recalls that Cayden stood out as a student who would excel academically and was self assured, athletic and fully immersed in service to his community. A few years ago, for example, Cayden and his dad travelled to Tanzania and Zanzibar to install Solar Suitcases™, a system that provides lighting and power for medical and communications devices, at a remote clinic. The equipment made it easier for medical providers and women giving birth at the facility. Cayden plans to continue helping others at Blair. “I have a responsibility to give back to others within and outside of my own community,” Cayden said. 

On April 16, Cayden and his family joined staff from Blair and Far Hills at a celebratory lunch, where he received some Blair swag and a plaque to commemorate his achievement. “I would like to give a big thank-you to the Blair admission team for selecting and seeing something within me, and letting me join the Blair family,” Cayden said, addressing the gathering. “I know that Blair will challenge me...I am looking forward to...making my family at home and FH proud.”  

Congratulations, Cayden!